scattering

American  

[skat-er-ing] / ˈskæt ər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. distributed or occurring here and there at irregular intervals; scattered. scattered.

2. straggling, as an assemblage of parts.

3. (of votes) cast in small numbers for various candidates.

4. distributing, dispersing, or separating.

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noun

1. a small, scattered scattered number or quantity.

2. Physics. the process in which a wave or beam of particles is diffused or deflected by collisions with particles of the medium that it traverses.

scattering British  

/ ˈskætərɪŋ /

noun

1. a small amount

2. physics the process in which particles, atoms, etc, are deflected as a result of collision

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scattering Scientific  

/ skăt′ər-ĭng /

1. The spreading of a stream of particles or a beam of rays, as of light, over a range of directions as a result of collisions with other particles. The sky appears blue due to the tendency of air molecules to scatter blue and violet light more than light of other frequencies. The scattering probabilities and patterns of subatomic particles, accelerated by particle accelerators and aimed at a target, is a major component of experimental particle physics.

2. See also diffusion cross section

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Etymology

Origin of scattering

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; scatter, -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Quantum transport simulations confirmed that the ordered structure reduces electron trapping and scattering, offering a clear explanation for the observed performance boost.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

Instead, finish the top with a scattering of turbinado sugar for crunch and a pinch of flaky salt for sparkle.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

While it does not oppose cremation, it does ban scattering of ashes.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

In this longer and more structured form, what began as an intentional scattering of ashes becomes an elegiac letter home mediated by shipwreck.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

She sailed past the violinists, scattering sheet music.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck